A massive and historic crowd converged in and around the National Parliament area and Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka as people from across Bangladesh gathered to attend the Namaz e Janaza of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on 31 December 2025. Thousands began arriving from early morning hours turning the main streets and open grounds into a huge assembly of mourners paying their final respects.
Thousands of Mourners Filled Key Areas
The expanse of Manik Mia Avenue the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban Parliament House and surrounding intersections were packed to capacity with supporters party activists and ordinary citizens. Many attendees traveled long distances from various districts to participate in the funeral prayer with large crowds forming at metro stations and along transit routes leading to the Parliament area.
Symbol of Respect and Grief Across Communities
Mourners from different walks of life came together in a display of unity and grief many wearing black badges or carrying flags and portraits of Khaleda Zia. The turnout reflected her long political influence and the deep connection felt by supporters across the country.
Security Measures and Official Arrangements
Given the overwhelming crowd authorities implemented extensive security measures including traffic restrictions around key roads leading to the Parliament area and heightened police presence at transport hubs. Temporary facilities such as medical stations and crowd management arrangements were also put in place to ensure the procession and prayer proceedings remained orderly.
International Dignitaries and National Mourning
The ceremony also drew attention from foreign dignitaries including the Speaker of Pakistan Parliament who arrived in Dhaka to pay final respects underscoring Khaleda Zia s international stature in regional politics. The government declared a general holiday and three days of state mourning to honor her legacy.